Groups came together to dedicate a Little Free Library as well as dozens of books – including several age-appropriate titles on oral health – at the Glendale Homes property at 5237 W. Ocotillo Drive, a Glendale rental housing community.

Delta Dental of Arizona president and chief executive officer Michael Jones joined Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers and Southwest Human Development chief development officer Jake Adams combined for the dedication.

“This ‘take a book, return a book’ free book exchange will provide children the opportunity to read fun, age-appropriate books at home, which could very well be the only book that child owns,” Jones shared in a news release. “The Little Free Library program helps inspire readers and expand access to educational materials to improve the overall wellness of our communities.”

According to Little Free Library, the overarching 501(c)3 organization that founded the concept, studies show that children growing up in homes without books are on average three years behind children in homes with lots of books, even when controlled for other key factors. One of the most successful ways to improve the reading achievement of children is to increase their access to books, especially at home.

But two out of three children living in poverty have no books to call their own.

“Literacy is critically important to all children, and I know the books will be put to good use in this neighborhood,” Weiers stated.